Is the DNR evaluating impacts on groundwater and surface water quantity?
Yes. The DNR cannot issue a permit if development of the mine and the necessary mine dewatering were to result in the unreasonable detriment of public or private water supplies or public rights in the waters of the State. The Department has developed a groundwater flow model which will be used to assess the extent of groundwater drawdown associated with the development of the underground mine. Because some of the surface water bodies are in close proximity to the mine, the Department is also evaluating potential impacts to stream flow and lake levels. The applicant must demonstrate that public and private rights to surface waters will be protected. In the course of evaluating potential impacts, the Department must determine minimum stream flow or lake levels necessary to protect public rights. The company would be required to mitigate stream flow if base flow conditions were reduced below levels specified for each waterbody, as well as lake stages. Details of this mitigation are specif
Related Questions
- Is there a concern that groundwater supplies could be adversely affected by the use of recycled water for landscape and agricultural irrigation?
- How will the environmental and societal impacts of a water treatment plant be managed?
- Is the DNR evaluating impacts on groundwater and surface water quantity?
